Rayalaseema Drought Leaves Farm Machinery Idle, Owners Struggling

Drought-like conditions have reduced farming in parts of Rayalaseema.

About two lakh acres were reportedly not cultivated because there was not enough rain.

This means many farm workers cannot find jobs.

It also means large machines such as JCBs and harvesters are sitting unused.

Machine owners often have loans and must still pay for fuel, drivers, and repairs.

They say a machine needs about seven hours of work each day to earn enough money.

Many are getting only a few hours of work, or sometimes none.

Some owners have started selling their machines to avoid growing debts.